In The News

Contender Esports In The News

Contender eSports, August 29, 2023

Summer Highlights and Why Arkansas Is On Our Radar

In this episode, Brett Payne shares highlights from the summer, updates on new partners and a new location opening in Arkansas in the fall.
Contender eSports, July 11, 2023

Nova Scotia and Mobile Gaming Venues

In this episode, Brett Payne announces our new location in Nova Scotia and introduces Contender eSports Mobile Gaming Venues.
Contender eSports , July 10, 2023

The Wonderful World of Esports

In this episode, Brett Payne and Thomas H. Douglas discuss the benefits of gaming for personal development, connecting with others, building meaningful relationships, and creating a sense of community.
Contender eSports, May 23, 2023

Scaling with New Options to Open

In this episode, Brett Payne shares a quick update on Contender eSports and how it is now easier than ever to enter the franchise!
Contender eSports, May 9, 2023

Biz 417 Think Summit Part 1

Brett Payne recently spoke at the 417 Think Summit in April about the intersection of gaming and workforce development and the potential benefits for Springfield, MO as a tech city. During the talk, he introduced the concept of "Techfluency" and explained how gaming can teach valuable tech skills that are highly transferable to many industries, including technology. He emphasized the need to invest in initiatives that promote Techfluency and encourage kids to pursue careers in technology. By doing so, cities and companies thrive, and also empower kids to succeed in the rapidly changing job market. This is part one.
Contender eSports, April 25, 2023

Should I Get an Older or Newer Franchise

In this episode, Zach Bryngelson and I explore the advantages and disadvantages of older and newer franchises, so you can weigh them against your personal goals and aspirations.
Contender eSports, April 20, 2023

Women in Gaming and Tech Interview with Carli Snyder

In this episode Carli Snyder and I sat down to discuss Women in Gaming and Tech.
Contender eSports, April 4, 2023

Do I Have To Be A Gamer To Be An Owner

In this episode Zach Bryngelson and I sat down to discuss all of the opportunities that are available to thrive in the exciting and rapidly growing esports industry.
Contender eSports, March 22, 2023

Should I Quit My Current Job

In this episode Zach Bryngelson and I sat down to weigh the personal and professional factors involved in being your own boss and pursuing your dreams.
KEYC News, December 19, 2022

Could have been a Contender: the esports game is on in Mankato!

Could have been a Contender: the esports game is on in Mankato!
Springfield News-Leader, December 17, 2022

Springfield Esports Coalition aims to break 'traditional' sports barrier in new year

Springfield Esports Coalition aims to break 'traditional' sports barrier in new year
Contender eSports, December 16, 2022

Springfield Esports Coalition

In this episode Brett Payne and Lance Kettering sat down with Ned Reynolds and Bill Rowe to talk about the Springfield Esports Coalition and the growth of esports on ESPN's Sports Reporters radio program.
Springfield Esports Coalition, December 15, 2022

SPRINGFIELD SPORTS COMMISSION LAUNCHES ESPORTS COALITION

Springfield is in the unique position to be the centerpiece of esports in our nation. We are home to some of the strongest contributors to the industry from education, retail and business development, and citywide support. The coalition gives context and a path for our city to not only be elevated as America’s number one esports city, but also to provide strength to all parties in our community to thrive together as never before.
Contender eSports, June 17, 2022

Fireside Chat at Sprocket in Paducah, KY. This is part two of an interview with John Truitt!

Brett recently had the opportunity to speak at a Fireside Chat at Sprocket in Paducah, KY. This is part two of an interview with John Truitt!
Contender eSports, June 10, 2022

Fireside Chat at Sprocket in Paducah, KY. This is part one of an interview with John Truitt!

Brett recently had the opportunity to speak at a Fireside Chat at Sprocket in Paducah, KY. This is part one of an interview with John Truitt!
Contender eSports, February 15, 2022

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - Contender eSports Atlanta

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - Contender eSports Atlanta
thelocal.gg, February 3, 2022

Fireside Chat with John Truitt and Codefi (Part 2)

Fireside Chat with John Truitt and Codefi (Part 2)
thelocal.gg, February 3, 2022

Fireside Chat with John Truitt and Codefi (Part 1)

Fireside Chat with John Truitt and Codefi (Part 1)
Codefi, January 31, 2022

Southeast Missouri and West Kentucky Level Up with Contender Esports

Southeast Missouri and West Kentucky Level Up with Contender Esports
KFVS12, January 27, 2022

Esports facilities coming to Cape Girardeau, Paducah

Esports facilities coming to Cape Girardeau, Paducah
thelocal.gg, July 6, 2021

In Depth Review on How to Start a College eSports Program

An In Depth Review on How to Start a College eSports Program.
thelocal.gg, May 7, 2021

Getting Esports on Sports Radio

Earlier this week, Brett had the opportunity to visit with Missouri Sports Hall of Famer, Ned Reynolds, host of the Morning Sports Reporters on Jock 96.9. This radio interview was recorded in Springfield, MO.
thelocal.gg, April 20, 2021

Using Radio to Expand Your Awareness

This past week, Brett had the opportunity to go KWTO's "Springfield's Happy Hour" to visit with Nate Lucas, Johnny Roe and Jenny James. This radio interview was recorded in Springfield, MO.
Contender Esports, April 1, 2021

Using Radio to Expand Your Awareness

Insider tips from Contender Esports for starting or operating your own Esports franchise.
Poughkeepsie Journal, March 31, 2021

Contender Esports Gaming Center Open Wappingers Falls

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Deanna Fino saw how video games resonated among the newly homebound. "All of the youth were involved or at least interested in eSports and video games," she said. "You even see colleges recruiting based on it."
The Marshfield Mail, August 12, 2020

Local franchise connects gamers, helping grow esports scene

Brett Payne, founder of the locally based gaming center franchise Contender eSports, has been working to build a brand that is capitalizing on that enormous growth, and the aim is to make it, and the area, synonymous with competitive gaming on a global scale.
thelocal.gg, June 24, 2020

Microwave Money

In this episode, I share how to provide the food your customers want while keeping overhead costs low at the same time.
MC22, May 30, 2020

Interview with Corey Riggs

MC22 interviews Contender Esports CEO Brett Payne to learn more about Contender Esports and its franchise.
Ozarks Sports Zone, March 25, 2020

Springfield Esports Arcade Offers Unique Opportunity

“You’ve got football, you’ve got tennis, you’ve got baseball, you’ve got basketball. With eSports, we have League of Legends, we have [Super] Smash [Bros], we have Apex [Legends], we have FIFA,” said Contender eSports CEO and Founder Brett Payne. A rapidly growing industry, eSports is competitive video-gaming and the passion that comes with it.
thelocal.gg, March 18, 2020

What We Did The Day We Got Shut Down

In business, there are times when circumstances change that are beyond your control. In this episode, I share some practical things you can do to improve and maintain your business during uncertain times. The key is to stay steady.
thelocal.gg, February 18, 2020

Setting up Events Like a Pro

Practical logistics and tips for setting up and promoting a LAN Center's events and tournaments. The key . . . Keep It Simple.
Ozarks First, February 10, 2020

Local Esports Leaders to Create a League for High Schoolers

SPRINGFIELD, Mo- Contender eSports, and the Drury eSports team are squading up to create a league for high schoolers in Springfield.
thelocal.gg, February 1, 2020

Creating Culture

This episode is about creating the culture and atmosphere in your Esports facility. What is the experience you want to give your customers and how do you build this? It's not accidental; it's all about systems and processes.
thelocal.gg, January 13, 2020

You Have To Change Your Mindset

This episode is about simplifying the business in an owner's mind by viewing it through businesses they already know. 🏋️ The gym industry can provide context on how to approach structuring the activity of your LAN center. Learn from them and reapply what they have tested for years.
thelocal.gg, January 6, 2020

Why AT&T and The Buckle Should Matter to You

🤔 Knowing who to hire and how to find them sets the stage for literally everything that happens in your local esports facility. In this episode, Brett discusses a simple formula that helps any owner identify the right people to put in place. The 🔑 is 📱 + 👖.
thelocal.gg, December 30, 2019

The Best $5 You'll Spend Today

🔥🔥 I'm a huge believer that 30% of the time you spend in your biz HAS to be spent on the other side of your front doors. Meeting people that you don't know to learn about them, build relationships and find ways to serve them is critical. In this episode, I'll talk about the most rewarding and inexpensive marketing...
thelocal.gg, December 26, 2019

Connecting with Local Schools

I sat down yesterday with a local high school teacher 👨‍🏫 talking about growing their esports program. In this episode, I'll lay out the basic game plan we use to serve our local city and schools to develop a practical program for high schools and middle schools. 📅
thelocal.gg, December 24, 2019

Stop Wasting Your Social

This episode is about maximizing the relationships you can build on social 💗. I talk about how people make the mistake of wasting hard-earned dollars on paid ads but don't utilize the opportunity to connect and build a community.